Abby asked the other day if I had created some kind of schedule or plan that allowed me to get work done but still have the benefits and flexibility of working from home. I thought it was a great question, so thought I would share my typical day with you and would love to hear from others who work at home.
6:00 - 7:30 AM Meditate, haul butt out of bed, eat breakfast, read the paper, check blog(s), have cup of coffee.
7:30 - 10:30 Still in PJS, sitting at computer, writing. Why don't I get dressed first? I want to get at it immediately! Look remarkably like Phyllis Diller...
10:30 -12:30 shower/bathe, pick up around house, do yoga
12:30 eat lunch
1:00 - 2:30 rewrites
2:30 - 4:00 go for walk, run errands
4:00 - 5:00 more picking up, read, begin to make supper
Every evening is spent reading, doing some personal writing, including this blog and other tasks.
I have discovered that I am not particularly creative in the afternoons or evenings, just creative enough that I can edit myself, but during those early morning hours the words just fly with joy and abandon. I think that a fixed schedule makes you feel like you are at work, which you are, and I love to get the heavy lifting done early in the morning - it makes me cheerful all day long!
I would say that the 4-5 hours a day I devote to writing are infinitely more productive than the 10-12 I often spent at my office, interrupted as I was by emails, phone calls and meetings that went on WAY longer than should be humanly acceptable.
I also do a to-do list which is also helpful, the night before so I get other administrative tasks out of the way. For instance, I have to go get a new drivers license tomorrow afternoon! The form is tucked into my day timer so I will not forget!
I have built in, besides this wonderful community, time to see friends during the week, so every Wednesday morning I go have coffee with same group of friends and now and then I meet a friend during an afternoon as well. Sometimes I will have lunch with friends out, like I will be this Thursday. I think it is important to get out during the weekdays to socialize at least once or twice.
Even as I read my schedule I find that folks might find it dull, but it really works for me. I never turn on the TV during the day unless there is some major world event, like the announcement of the Canadian Men's Olympic Hockey Team last week! I just find that the TV can suck you in. I also limit my online presence to fixed times as well and I have been shocked at how much more time I have avoiding the retail sites - it is mindboggling to me!
Since my dream is to find some amazing publisher who is on standby waiting for my work, I am being very disciplined.
Of course, that means making my work the best it can be....
I have a set time frame for getting these edits completed and then I will send the book back out to the universe and begin editing the next one. I also have another article underway and work on that in the evenings so that it doesn't interfere with my book time. I find that fixing deadlines for myself, and meeting them, makes me feel productive and will hold me in good stead for my writing career. I guess it does help that I was very disciplined in my old job.
I usually take Saturdays off completely, but then miss the writing and do a bit on Sundays. I do find that I need a break after about 3 hours, a time frame which usually nets me around 2000 words, which is not bad for a writer.
This is my winter schedule. When the garden is out and about, you would find me out there at least for an hour every day during the day!
Would love to hear from others who work from home!
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In other news, I am giddy about tonight's Golden Globes, because I have a tremendous girl crush on Tina Fey and Amy Poehler!!!!
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And in other other news, my friend Barb has just started a new blog, WoolGathering. I loved her post today and am sure there will be many more great ones to come! Congrats Barb!
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And in other, other, other news. I don't usually need to tell Dani she looks good, because frankly, sickeningly, she always does. But she looks REAL good today, so you ought to check it out! Don't tell her I sent you - we don't want it to go to her head!
Have a wonderfully fabulous Sunday! Stay Safe out there!
I have the Tv and radio on all day for company which is a bugger as the TV has been on the blink for the sat three weeks, without that low hum I will fall into the jaws of the black dog.
ReplyDeleteI'm a lark and hop off to workout at about 6 or 7 after breakfast, then I clean the house but make very little effort with myself, I don't care about my appearance when I'm at home. Lunch is early usually 11 ish and then I settle down to work.
I'm a really disciplined person, so I love living like this.
Damn, the Golden Globes - not that we get it here anyway.
Sounds like you and I are quite alike!
DeleteI have no set routine and I can just chill with no problem so it is a dangerous combo...Why do you get up so early though? I just let my body get up when it wants to otherwise I pay for it. I am productive in spurts and there is no method to my madness. I am thinking of joining a private library as I imagine having to work instead of making endless cups of tea and channel surfing. I would love to blame the internet but I get about the same stuff done pre and post wifi so...But discipline is another theme for me this year so I might use that saying as my screen saver!
ReplyDeleteHi Naomi - I always wake up then - always been an early riser! Good luck with the discipline!
DeleteNaomi me too, my circadian rhythm wakes me before 6 every day, always has, my parents were the same but I am no use to man nor beast after 9.30pm and my ideal dinner time is 4pm.
DeleteI love an early bird special too! I am soooo not "continental". I nearly starved when I did a gap semester in Spain. I hated eating dinner at 11
DeleteHad a Greek boyfriend once, it was awful, they all ate dinner at 10pm! When we're abroad, I can't eat like the true Euros, I scoff in the late afternoon and nurse a drink in the evening if I go out for dinner - I used to be embarrassed but I don't care now, I cannot eat dinner after 7pm.
DeleteBreakfast at 6:30, am starving when I wake up. Lunch at noon. Dinner at 5:30/6:00. I get rather pissy when I am hungry.
DeleteI'm an early bird too! breakfast at crack of dawn and lunch at 11am if I can! I despise eating any later than 7pm. Living in Southern Italy was awful for my routine - had to get used to dinner at 10pm most nights. Shocking!
DeleteLadies - we have all found each other...I will serve you dinner at 6...
DeleteWake up at 6:00. Roll around bed...I mean meditate, up at 6:30 feed animals start a load of laundry breakfast with my hubs, walking with dogs and exercise by 7:30. Work until 11:30. Noon is lunch, read/surf/nap/garden/nest/whatever. I do this routine 3/4 days a week. One day I do my errands and one day, not including Sunday, I try not to work at all. I am very much a morning person and a routine person. We actually built an office on our property instead of in our house to get away from it. Otherwise, it was too hard not to always go in there for just "a few minutes".
ReplyDeleteGood plan BB! Oh the nap.. love the nap. Never do it, but love it...
DeleteTHank you WMM for the woolgathering site info. Lovely. I agree, it is necessary to know your own work style when working at home. I work during the day at a school, and find that my most productive time book and magazine work is done is later at night- when everyone is in bed and there are no distractions.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear folks' routines - such a lovely personal thing and so different for us all!
DeleteBut Wendy I read your blog so how it will not chuff me up? Thanks Darling, I think you must know telepathically that I've been mired in gloom this past week. Dressing up is a sure cure for that, but how do you like that Notre Dame dress? I thought it would remind you of Notre Dame as well!
ReplyDeleteYour routine sounds so perfect. I have a job to do from home but there are times I am busy and times I am not, so I do it in unhealthy spurts. My main job is housekeeper, chef and bottle washer, and picking up after that MrBP! Boy my workload really went up when he had those Christmas holidays! ;)
I saw Notre Dame too, though lately I look in my closet and see gargoyles!!!! I am kind of my own "make work" project, so I have only my self to blame!
DeleteI work from home from time-to time, and used to have my own consultancy when the kids were very little, so was teaching part time and writing at home.
ReplyDeleteYour schedule sounds super productive and quite similar to the way I structure my day when at home, although mine involves child-processing too!
Now I'm off to oggle Dani!
Ruth - sh - remember that I said about Dani! The kids are grown here and do not really care so much so that is lucky!
DeleteI'm ashamed to admit, I have no set schedule. My New Year resolutions have not been decided on but perhaps better time organization should be one of them. I do know my thoughts are much clearer in the AM. Dani does indeed look wonderful. Off the check Woolgathering.
ReplyDeleteNo shame Jennifer! Everyone works differently and I am humbled by the clutter free homes, though it isn't me...
DeleteI'm glad you've found a routine that works for you! It's hard to use time well without imposing some kind of structure on it. Morning is my most productive time. A to-do list is key for me, even if it's just a daily one.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch the awards shows but I do like Tina Fey. I can't understand Amy Pohler, though. I've seen her in a few things and I just don't think she's funny. Everyone seems to love her, though, I can't figure it out!
I like Amy fine, but love Tina!
DeleteThanks for the plug for my blog, WoolGathering. I am still stumbling around trying to get it set up. I'm a bit slow with this technology; I'm okay with knitting needle technology, however!
ReplyDeleteRegarding routine, since I stopped working in the "real" world, I have developed a somewhat rebellious attitude toward routine. I have a routine, but it is loose! For example, I do not want to get up or go to bed at a set time. I am reluctant to make commitments to certain classes at the Y, etc. I do get to the Y most days, but vary my activity a great deal. I want total flexibility. And I do allow myself to get sucked into too much TV. As a result I am probably not as productive as I could be. Maybe I'll get over that rebellion at some time and become productive!
I was pretty loose-goosey in the beginning but once I decided I wanted to make this my new career I had to buckle down, but I can sure relate to your rebellious streak!
ReplyDeleteI have never ever been a morning person. I come from a long line of night owls. Even though I can be ironing at midnight, I think that slow mornings lead to less productivity overall.While I am sure that I will never voluntarily be up at the crack of dawn, I am trying to be more organized and accomplished. Your blog is one of my inspirations,
ReplyDeleteTeacups - your answer is below! Had a technical difficulty!)
DeleteYou are so disciplined! Meanwhile, I have no set schedule. I just try to sit down and get some work done when the kids are quiet/distracted. I am a night owl by nature, and I am often up late at night writing, while the house is quiet and everyone else is in bed. Unfortunately, it does mean being very tired in the mornings. I am trying to be more organized so I can get more done.
ReplyDeletewell I think that having little kids makes any schedule other than theirs quite difficult.... I am continually trying to be more organized too!
DeleteThanks for the inspiration. I think I need more of a structured schedule for my days off. I need to stay off blogs( except for yours of course), shopping websites and ebay. Before you know it hours can go by and you have gotten nothing accomplished!
ReplyDeleteSC, I hear you on the blogs, even my own! ;-) I am more disciplined about that these days and it is making me feel much lighter!
DeleteHi Wendy, thank you for this post! It was really interesting, and the comments are great too.
ReplyDeleteI've just returned from a month's vacation, and my job situation is now different as well, so it's the perfect time to establish some new routines. I definitely have come to believe that a routine is key, so I'm experimenting with what works for me.
And you're right, seeing people is so important! We're deep in the winter doldrums here, and I think it's also important to make sure to get outside. I'm planning on incorporating morning walks into my routine, to make sure that I leave the house!
I think seeing people is the key, though I could never manage that every day. for me, having my weekday "party date' smack dab in the middle gives me something to look forward to!
DeleteTotal night owl here. It's a "school night" and what am I doing awake at 1:48 a.m. ... Left to my own schedule, I'd stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning and get up at 10 ... I know, missing glorious sunrises and the early morning joyful chirps. I write for my job but usually cannot get the word flow until at least 3 in the afternoon, I claim it's because I have too many meetings and emails and phone calls early part of the day, maybe that's true or maybe it's just because! I don't know what would happen if I worked from home, I don't think I have discipline enough to keep a routine.
ReplyDeleteTR - you might (or might not!) do better in the end working from home. I do find I get a tremendous amount of work done as there are no distractions!
DeleteTeacups I think you have to stick with your natural inclination around your best time of day. Last year I played around with my schedule for MONTHS, feeling rebellious like Barb, wondering what time of day my creativity kicks in. What I have discovered is that my creativity seems to love discipline and the morning hour and flows most easily then. I can still do work later in the day, but it is not as good or as easy, but seems to lend itself to the editing process. I do think everyone is different and trying a lot of different approaches may be the difference. I think it must be hard for night owls; it's not like you can vacuum while everyone is sleeping!
ReplyDeleteI would like to work from home, your routine sounds heaven. I wake up early and out of the house before 7 am and home by 4:30 pm. We have an early dinner, then bonding and homework. The house starts yawning at 9 and dormant by 10 pm. We try to do some family activity in the weekends including catching up with housework and the gym.
ReplyDeleteMarie - I absolutely love working from home, but it has taken me awhile to be disciplined and I am not brutal with myself - I stayed up will midnight watching the Golden Globes so will not be at my desk this morning till around 8!
DeleteWMM, hmm maybe that is a difference when you employer work from home, still have to "be there" at 8 etc. (See note on bed below.)
DeleteI'm lucky in that I still get to work from home 1-2 days a week, at least technically. Then again I do 12 work hour days when I don't, and even the home-based ones still include overlong conference calls and the like.
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate the minimized interruptions for tackling bigger projects, planning, budgeting and writing. Two things I do know work for me: tackle the tough stuff first, and don't get sucked into the 'net.
I am either early morning and late night, after 10, hit a really useless zone around 4 pm, which no amount of fuel really helps. So have learned to not schedule meetings etc. then or procrastinate on big stuff.
Applause for fitting in the "professional" social, as others have noted, so important in winter anyway, plus for self-employed, general mentoring etc. You have reminded me to schedule some of that.
I find keeping an "accomplishments and extras" list really helps (finished to dos and jottings off other stuff I dealt with) keep track of things and prioritize the next day. Going to bed is definitely the toughest thing for me.
Interesting topic WMM, thanks Abby.
Thanks - you are right - what makes me happiest is the completion of tasks. For example, by then end of this coming weekend I want to have revised chapters 5-10. That keeps me focused and every time I complete a chapter I give myself a pat on the back!
DeleteI've always been a nightowl and can go on 4-5 hours sleep for almost a week and then have a catch-up snooze of about 9-10 hours but will sneak in a late afternoon powernap (less than 1/2 hour) on occasion. I definitely need a routine but it's against my nature.
ReplyDeletewow - 4-5 hours slee - I wish! I am a bear if I only get 6 - 7 is the ideal number for me! I am a terrible power napper and am horribly jealous of those who can do that because I think a power nap is the most refreshing thing ever!
DeleteAfter six plus years of part time work after a long career of full time I would label my schedule as sporadic disciplined. I am not a morning person, at least not before 9:30 am. Decide what I want to get done in the week and discipline myself to get it done sporadically. Housework and entertaining happens in the same way. Drives me crazy but alas cannot seem to change it.
ReplyDeleteSporadic discipline - love it!
DeleteYou are very disciplined... I am not so much. I wake up early... but I go to bed way too late. This is a huge topic of discussion in our household. My husband thinks that it is not important what time we go to bed, and that include our little one. While I tend to be very, very strict with how many hours of sleep one needs to be healthy... I am not sure how good I would be working from home and as I need to go to the office every day, it might be for the best as well... I miss a time for me to meditate or at least take it easy, morning or evening...
ReplyDeleteIf I try to stay up I usually fall asleep, so I sleep either way!
DeleteI love this post and very timely too...I've been having some soul searching about getting a fixed schedule. The book writing has to take more priority for me as long term, that's what's most important but somehow the blog bits and the journalism takes over and I didn't do it for months when I got lots of commissions. Love how you limit the blog stuff to one time in the morning - much more efficient. I'm also really fascinated to know how much time people spend on their blogs too...
ReplyDeleteI am a lazy blogger in that I don't take nearly the photos I ought to and write quickly and pretty much stream of consciousness. Each blog post usually takes me about 45 minutes to get together. Lord - I wish I could say it was longer but such a lie!
DeleteWendy, good for you for doing what you love! Please do let us know when your book is published; my oldest is on the verge of middle school and I will be your first customer!
ReplyDeleteI was just filling out some medical forms today and reached the dreaded "occupation" line. What to write? Child bearer. Cat collector. Bad housekeeper, but mostly fun mom. Retired misguided lawyer. Nothing good. I am always so happy to hear about other women actually working at things they love.
And, I just saw Tabitha's post! A very merry birthday to you, one day early! (I have a quick story for why I am glad you are born on the 14th and not the 13th -- years ago, I went into labor at 10 pm with my second baby on the 13th and by the time I reached the hospital was beyond epidural stage -- the nurse would not call the anesthesiologist. But I actually CRIED, with real tears, to my OB: BUT MY BABY CANNOT BE BORN ON THE 13TH -- and she got me my epidural, which stalled things until 3 am…)
Oh that is too funny! I think my mom would have been happy with the 13th! I was due on the 1st or 2nd! Dramatic entry and all! Fun mom! I would like that best!
DeleteI am a writer too and it was good to read of your structured day.
ReplyDeleteI too find the mornings the most productive and write for 4 or 5 hours to get to 1000 words per day. Anymore and I find I don't work well the next day...any less and I feel annoyed with myself. Sophia James